Combination container-dispenser for viscous materials

ABSTRACT

A combination container-dispenser for viscous materials comprising an elongated tubular container which is open along one side thereof, the ends of the container along the open side extending inwardly of the container. A roller or slider having first and second grooves therein is positioned within the container so that the inwardly extending ends of the container project into the grooves. By confining the viscous material within the container and by providing an opening in one end of the container, movement of the roller or slider forces the viscous material out of the opening. In addition, the interlocking connection between the ends of the container and the grooves in the roller or slider eliminates the need for a rigid, nondistortable container. Finally, a novel closure, including a slider which cooperates with an opening in the container, eliminates the standard nozzle and cap.

United States Patent Green 1 Feb. 22, 1972 54] COMBINATION CONTAINER- DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS [22] Filed: Aug. 25, 1969 [21] Appl.No.: 852,560

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2,477 2/1900 Great Britain ..222/ 101 Lazure et a1. ..222/561 X 350,865 6/1931 Great Britain ..222/101 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Norman L. Stack, Jr.

Att0rneyHinderstein & Silber [57] ABSTRACT A combination container-dispenser for viscous materials comprising an elongated tubular container which is open along one side thereof, the ends of the container along the open side extending inwardly of the container. A roller or slider having first and second grooves therein is positioned within the container so that the inwardly extending ends of the container project into the grooves. By confining the viscous material within the container and by providing an opening in one end of the container, movement of the roller or slider forces the viscous material out of the opening. In addition, the interlocking connection between the ends of the container and the grooves in the roller or slider eliminates the need for a rigid, nondistortable container. Finally, a novel closure, including a slider which cooperates with an opening in the container, eliminates the standard nozzle and cap.

13 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PAIENTEUFEB 22 I972 3. 643 837 sum 1 0F 2 INVENTOR. RDA/4L0 4. G/PEE/V I MJM ATTORNEYS COMBINATION CONTAINER-DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the dispensing of viscous materials from their containers and, more particularly, to a combination container-dispenser for viscous materials which incorporates a novel interlocking connection between a roller and a container which eliminates the need for forming the container from a rigid, nondistortable material.

2. Description of the Prior Art Flexible, collapsible-walled, tubular containers are commonly used for dispensing a wide variety of viscous materials including shampoo, hairdressing, shaving cream and an assortment of pastes, such as toothpaste. Such containers are provided with a nozzle at one end thereof and are made of a deformable material so that with the cap or closure member removed from the nozzle, the walls of the container will flex or collapse when squeezed between the fingers forcing the viscous material through the nozzle out of the container.

There are numerous problems associated with such collapsible-walled, tubular containers, not the least of which is the fact that human fingers are simply not designed to effect the proper discharge of the contents of such containers so that almost invariably, the entire contents of the tube cannot be completely removed. In addition, most people have a habit of applying pressure midway between the ends of the tubular container so that long before the entire contents thereof have been dispensed, the container has become so mutilated that the dispensing of even a significant portion of the contents is all but impossible.

An additional problem results from the fact that the viscous material is discharged through a relatively small nozzle which is generally externally threaded so that the container may be sealed by an internally threaded cap. However, the restricted passageway created by the nozzle provides a convenient location for clogging of the container. This is especially true in the case of hardening materials such as glue or caulking compound where the material tends to solidify within the nozzle forcing the user to insert a pin or other elongated instrument into the nozzle to free the passageway. In addition, the viscous material tends to accumulate around the outside of the nozzle and on the inside of the cap making it difficult to close the container.

Each of the problems enumerated above are encountered by the consumer, the ultimate user of the container. However, these are not the only people who experience difficulty. Problems are also present for the manufacturer of the containers and the materials contained therein. More specifically, because each container terminates in a nozzle, the containers are generally made one at a time. Although made on a mass production basis, the fact that the containers are made one at a time significantly increases manufacturing costs. In addition, because of the susceptibility of the containers to being mutilated during transportation, handling and display, and because of the fact that mutilation by the consumer is absolutely certain. the manufacturers are required to package the containers in cartons in one form or another. These cartons serve both to protect the containers and to provide advertising space.

In order to solve some of these problems, many manufacturers now distribute hair dressing, and shampoo and other types of viscous materials in resilient tubular containers so that after the container is squeezed to dispense its contents and then released, the container returns to its original shape. However, although this technique eliminates the unsightly appearance of a collapsed tubular container, it creates additional problems. More specifically, since the container does not remain collapsed, the contents thereof tend to accumulate at one point in the tube. Therefore, every time it is necessary to use the tube, the entire tube must be rolled or manipulated in some fashion to force the contents from wherever they are located to the nozzle. Furthermore, because of the size of most tubes, this is often difficult to do.

Also with a view towards solving these many problems associated with collapsible-walled, tubular containers, there have been many suggestions for mechanical dispensing devices. Typically, such mechanical dispensing devices include a rigid surface and a roller or slider member. By positioning a collapsible-walled, tubular container between the slider or roller and the rigid surface, movement of the slider or roller forces the substance out of the container. However, all known prior art devices of this type are made in the form of dispensing devices which are adapted to receive a conventional tubular container. In addition, in order to withstand the force exerted by the slider or roller and the substance on the dispenser, these dispensers are generally made from rigid, nondistortable materials. As a result, these dispensers are usually awkward, bulky and expensive. In addition, since they are used repeatedly, they must be constantly cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 'such that movement of the slider or roller forces the substance out of the dispenser. Therefore, since the dispensing of the viscous material is achieved through operation of a roller or slider, the present container-dispenser is neither susceptible of improper use nor subject to waste. In addition, however, the present container-dispener eliminates the necessity for a rigid, nondistortable container and, according to a preferred embodiment, forms a one-piece piece configuration which completely replaces conventional collapsible-walled, tubular containers and which is discarded after the container is emptied. The present container-dispenser also includes a novel closure which eliminates the standard nozzles and caps which become clogged or coated with the material. Still further, the present container-dispensers need not be made one at a time, but may be in the form of a long container which is subsequently cut into individual containers. .Furthermore, since the exterior of the present container-dispenser is not collapsible, it need not be packaged separately in an additional carton since the manufacturer need not worry about mutilation of the container or obliteration of his advertising material.

Briefly, the present combination container-dispenser for viscous materials comprises an elongated tubular container which is open along one side thereof, the ends of the container along the open side extending inwardly of the container. A roller or slider having first and second grooves therein is positioned within the container so that the inwardly extending ends thereof project into the grooves. Finally, a collapsible barrier is positioned across the container for confining the viscous material therein. The container is also provided with an opening at one end thereof which is sealed by a novel slider configuration. In this manner, movement of the roller or slider forces the viscous material out of the opening in the container. In addition, the interlocking connection between the ends of the container and the grooves in the roller 01' slider eliminates the need for a rigid, nondistortable container.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a combination container-dispenser for viscous material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for viscous materials which is not susceptible of improper use.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a container-dispenser for viscous materials which retains its shape while the viscous material is being dispensed.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a combination container-dispenser for viscous materials including a backing member and roller whereby movement of the roller forces the material out of the container. ltis-still another object of the present invention to provide such a containerdispenser including an interlocking connection between the backing member and the roller which eliminates the necessity for the backing member to be made from a rigid, non-distortable material.

Another object of the present invention is the provision ofa novel closure for a combination container-dispenser which eliminates clogging problems and the mess associated with conventional nozzles.

Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present combination container-dispenser as it appears before insertion of a viscous material;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 22 in FIG. 1 and showing the container-dispenser filled with viscous material;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing one use of the present combination container-dispenser;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of a second embodiment of the present container-dispenser for use with conventional collapsible-walled, tubular containers;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 ofa third embodiment of the present container-dispenser which utilizes a slider rather than a roller;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG.

FIGS. 8A8D are a series of diagrams showing a first sequence of steps which may be used in manufacturing the container-dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A9C are a similar series of diagrams showing a second sequence of manufacturing steps; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third manufacturing procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and, more particular, to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, the first embodiment of containerdispenser generally designated 10, includes an elongated tubular container 11 which is open along one side thereof, at 12, to form first and second open ends 13 and 14. Ends 13 and 14 are bent relative to container 11 so that they are substantially parallel and extend inwardly of container 11.

Container-dispenser 10 further includes a roller 15, having an axis of symmetry .r-x, which has a generally circular cross section in a direction perpendicular to axis xxas shown in FIG. 2. and a generally elliptical cross section in an orthogonal direction. to conform to the cross-sectional shape of container 11, as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, roller 15 includes first and second parallel, annular grooves 16 and 17 which are aligned perpendicular to axis Finally, the spacing between grooves 16 and 17 is approximately equal to the spacing between ends 13 and 14 so that with roller 15 inserted into container 11, ends 13 and 14 of container 11 project into grooves 16 and 17, respectively.

Container-dispenser 10 also includes a collapsible barrier 18 which is initially in the form of a flat, elongated, flexible, sheet which is secured at its opposite sides 19 and 29 to the opposite sides of container 11, thereby forming a compartment 21 between barrier 18 and the lower half 22 of container 11.

The remaining components of container-dispenser 10 are the first and second rails 23 and 24 of an elongated track 25 which extend along the outer surface of lower half 22 of container 11. Rails 23 and 24 straddle the opposite sides of a slider member 26 which includes a lip 27 which facilitates the longitudinal movement of slider 26 in track 25. Finally, container 11 includes an opening 28 in on end of lower half 22 thereof between rails 23 and 24 of track 25.

In operation, after container-dispenser 10 is constructed into the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a viscous material 29 is adapted to be inserted into compartment 21. Thereafter, the opposite ends 30 and 31 of barrier 18 are adapted to be sealed to the opposite end of lower half 22 of container 11. In this manner, viscous material 29 is totally confined within container 11 between the lower half 22 thereof and barrier 18. At this point roller 15 is inserted into the end of container 11 opposite opening 28 with ends 13 and 14 projecting into grooves 16 and 17 therein.

Container-dispenser 10 is now ready for use. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, container-dispenser 10 is grasped by the hand in such a manner that the thumb may be used to rotate roller 15 towards opening 28. As shown in FIG. 2, slider 26 is adapted to be positioned in track 25 to block opening 28 to prevent the dispensing of viscous material 29 through opening 28. However, by simply exerting a force on lip 27., slider 26 may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 1 so that motion of roller 15 forces viscous material 29 out of compartment 21.

Many uses for container-dispenser 10 will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 4, container-dispenser 10 may be used to dispense toothpaste onto a toothbrush 32. In a similar manner, container-dispenser 10 may be used for any other type of viscous material such as shampoo, hairdressing, shaving cream and the like. Since the dispensing of viscous material 29 is achieved through operation of a roller 15, container-dispenser 10 is neither susceptible of improper use not subject to waste. In addition, container-dispenser 10 eliminates the necessity for a rigid, nondistortably container, as has been required with prior art dispenser of this type. More specifically, as roller 15 is rotated in the direction shown, a force is exerted on viscous material 29 which exerts a corresponding force on lower half 22 of tubular container 11. Normally, container 11 would have to be made of a rigid material to withstand this pressure. However, with container-dispenser 10, this is unnecessary since the force exerted on lower half 22 of tubular container 11 is absorbed by ends 13 and 14 thereof in grooves 16 and 17, respectively. Therefore, container 11 may be made of a plia ble, resilient or semirigid material which is only required to have sufficient strength to retain its shape.

An additional advantage of container-dispenser 10 is that it is a one piece configuration which completely replaces conventional collapsible-walled, tubular containers, For this reason, container-dispenser 11 may be discarded after it is empty.

Container-dispenser 10 also includes a novel closure consisting of track 25 and slider 26 which avoids the necessity for standard nozzles and caps which become clogged or coated with the viscous material. In addition, because of the shape of container dispenser l0, tubular container 11 may be made in one long piece and then cut into individual containers thereby vastly simplifying manufacturing procedures.

Finally, since inly barrier 18 collapses and container 11 retains its shape, the manufacturer need not worry about mutilation of the container or obliteration of his advertising material. As a result, the necessity for an additional packing carton and its attendant expense is completely eliminated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is capable of many modifications. For example, and with reference to FIG. 5, the present invention may take the form of a dispenser, generally designated 40, which includes an elongated tubular container 41 and a roller 42. Container 41 is in all respects identical to container 11 except that container 41 is provided with a tapered abutment 43 at one end thereof and track 25, slider 26 and opening 28 are eliminated. With such a configuration, a conventional collapsible-walled tubular container 44 having a nozzle 45 may be inserted in container 41 with nozzle 45 extending through an opening 46 in tapered abutment 43. Thereafter, roller 42 is inserted in the other end of elongated container 41 and the operation is identical as explained previously except that the viscous material 29 will be dispensed through nozzle 45 in container 44.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown another possible modification to the container-dispenser of FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-7, there is shown a container-dispenser, generally designated 50, which includes an elongated tubular container 51, which is in all material respects identical to tubular container 11 of container-dispenser 10. However, container-dispenser 50 includes a slider member 52 which replaces roller as used in container-dispenser l0. Slider member 52 performs the same function as roller 15 and includes first and second elongated grooves 53 and 54 which receive the open ends 55 and 56, respectively, of tubular container 51. Slider member 52 includes a body 58 which substantially conforms to the configuration of tubular container 51, body 58 having a blunt front surface 57 for exerting pressure on viscous material 29. Finally slider member 52 includes a rounded surface 59 which is adapted to receive the thumb ofthe user.

Another modification possible for container-dispenser 10 is that slider 26 may be made with a series of different-shaped openings, not shown. Such a modification would be quite useful where container-dispenser 10 was used as a dispenser of cheese or cake icing. In other words, by positioning a different one of many possible openings slider 26 in front of opening 28, the cheese or cake icing would emerge with a corresponding design creating a decorative effect.

With reference to FIGS. 8A-8D, there is shown one way in which container-dispenser 10 may be manufactured. As shown in FIG. 8A, container-dispenser 10 may start simply as an elongated cylindrical tube. The tube may then be formed sequentially into the shapes shown in FIGS. 88 and SC to form ends 13 and 14 and rails 23 and 24. After reaching the configuration shown in FIG. 8C compartment 21 may be formed by sealing barrier 18 to container 11 at sidesl9 and 20.

An alternate procedure is shown in FIGS. 9A9C. In FIG. 9A, container 11 of container-dispenser 10 is first extruded into its final shape including open slide 12, ends 13 and 14 and rails 23 and 24. Thereafter, and as shown in FIG. 9B, and elongated sheet 18 may be secured at its opposite sides 19 and 20 to opposite inside surfaces of container 11. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9C, barrier 18 may be elevated to form compartment 21.

Another alternate method is shown in FIG. 10 where container 11, including open ends 13 and 14, rails 23 and 24 and barrier 18 are initially extruded in the shape shown.

While the invention has been described with respect to several physical embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that still further modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising:

an elongated tubular container, said container being made from a pliable, resilient material, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said one side extending inwardly of said container, said container also having an opening adjacent one end thereof;

collapsible means for confining said viscous material within said container, said barrier means comprising an elongated, flexible sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides ofsaid container; and

an operating member positioned within said container and adapted to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said barrier means between said member and said container forcing said material out of said opening, said container having insufficient strength to withstand the force of said material thereon in the absence of the interlocking connection between said inwardly extending open ends of said container and said operating member, which interlocking 5 connection absorbs said force.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said operating member comprises:

a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said container being spaced apart and substantially parallel and said projecting into said grooves.

3. A dispenser according to claim I wherein said operating member comprises:

a slider having first and second grooves therein, said open 15 ends of said container projecting into said grooves.

4. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising:

an elongated, tubular container, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said side extending inwardly of said container;

collapsible barrier means for confining said viscous material within said container, said barrier means comprising: an elongated, flexible sheet, said sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides of said container, said container having an opening in the side thereof between said opposite edges of said sheet; and an operating member positioned within said container and operative to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said flexible sheet between said member and said container forcing said viscous material out of said opening.

5. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said operating member comprises:

a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said container being spaced apart substantially parallel and said projecting into said grooves.

6. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said operating member comprises:

a slider'having first and second grooves therein, said open ends of said container projecting into said grooves.

7. A dispenser according to claim 4 further comprising:

a track consisting of first and second elongated rails positioned along the outer surface of said container on either side of said opening therein; and

a slider member positioned between said rails and adapted for movement relative to said track to either block or unblock said opening.

8. A dispenser according to claim 7 wherein said slider member has a series of different shaped openings therein, said slider member adapted to be positioned with any of said openings therein aligned with said opening in said container.

9. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising:

an elongated tubular container, said container being made from a pliable, resilient or semirigid material, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said one side extending inwardly of said container;

collapsible barrier means for confining said viscous material with said container, said barrier means comprising an elongated, flexible sheet, said sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides of said container, said container having an opening in the side thereof adjacent one end thereof; and

an operating member positioned within said container and adapted to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said barrier means between said member and said container, forcing said material out of said opening.

10. A dispenser-according to claim 9 wherein said operating a track consisting of first and second elongated rails posimember comprises: tioned along the outer surface of said container on either a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially Side OfSaid pe g therein; n

parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said a Slider member positioned between said rails and adapted containar being spaced apart and Substantially parallel for movement relative to said track to either block or unand projecting into said grooves. block 531d P g- IL A dispenser according to claim 9 wherein said operating A dlspensel' accorfimg t0 12 where"! said Slide! member comprises member has a series of dlfferent shaped openings therein, said a slider having first and second grooves therein, said open Shdef adapted be P P -l l any 9 531d ends of Said container projecting into Said grooves. openings therein aligned with said opening in said container. 12. A dispenser according to claim 9 further comprising: 

1. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising: an elongated tubular container, said container being made from a pliable, resilient material, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said one side extending inwardly of said container, said container also having an opening adjacent one end thereof; collapsible means for confining said viscous material within said container, said barrier means comprising an elongated, flexible sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides of said container; and an operating member positioned within said container and adapted to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said barrier means between said member and said container forcing said material out of said opening, said container having insufficient strength to withstand the force of said material thereon in the absence of the interlocking connection between said inwardly extending open ends of said container and said operating member, which interlocking connection absorbs said force.
 2. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said operating member comprises: a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said container being spaced apart and substantially parallel and said projecting into said grooves.
 3. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said operating member comprises: a slider having first and second grooves therein, said open ends of said container projecting into said grooves.
 4. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising: an elongated, tubular container, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said side extending inwardly of said container; collapsible barrier means for confining said viscous material within said container, said barrier means comprising: an elongated, flexible sheet, said sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides of said container, said container having an opening in the side thereof between said opposite edges of said sheet; and an operating member positioned within said container and operative to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said flexible sheet between said member and said container forcing said viscous material out of said opening.
 5. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said operating member comprises: a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said container being spaced apart substantially parallel and said projecting into said grooves.
 6. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said operating member comprises: a slider having first and second grooves therein, said open ends of said container projecting into said grooves.
 7. A dispenser according to claim 4 further comprising: a track consisting of first and second elongated rails positioned along the outer surface of said container on either side of said opening therein; and a slider member positioned between said rails and adapted for movement relative to said track to either block or unblock said opening.
 8. A dispenser according to claim 7 wherein said slider member has a series of different shaped openings therein, said slider member adapted to be positioned with any of said openings therein aligned with said opening in said container.
 9. A dispenser for viscous materials comprising: an elongated tubular container, said container being made from a pliable, resilient or semirigid material, said container being open along one side thereof, the open ends of said container along said one side extending inwardly of said container; collapsible barrier means for confining said viscous material with said container, said barrier means comprising an elongated, flexible sheet, said sheet being secured along opposite edges to opposite sides of said container, said container having an opening in the side thereof adjacent one end thereof; and an operating member positioned within said container and adapted to move longitudinally relative thereto, said operating member having first and second grooves therein, said inwardly extending open ends of said container projecting into said grooves whereby movement of said operating member collapses said barrier means between said member and said container, forcing said material out of said opening.
 10. A dispenser according to claim 9 wherein said operating member comprises: a roller having first and second spaced-apart, substantially parallel, annular grooves therein, said open ends of said container being spaced apart and substantially parallel and projecting into said grooves.
 11. A dispenser according to claim 9 wherein said operating member comprises: a slider having first and second grooves therein, said open ends of said container projecting into said grooves.
 12. A dispenser according to claim 9 further comprising: a track consisting of first and second elongated rails positioned along the outer surface of said container on either side of said opening therein; and a slider member positioned between said rails and adapted for movement relative to said track to either block or unblock said opening.
 13. A dispenser according to claim 12 wherein said slider member has a series of different shaped openings therein, said slider member adapted to be positioned with any of said openings therein aligned with said opening in said container. 